Team Bath are generally title contenders season after season and are gunning to be crowned national champions for the sixth time.

But Jess Thirlby reckons the introduction of three new franchises will up the ante and make the league more competitive, rather than the semi-predictable competition it’s become, with a potential upset to the established order on the cards.

Eboni Beckford-Chambers will captain the five-time national champions as they seek to improve upon last year’s third place finish. Beckford-Chambers formed a strong defensive unit with Sam Cook last season and the pair will be joined by experienced newcomers Layla Guscoth and Vangalee Williams. It looks like a formidable defensive set-up, which will prove difficult to break down.

On paper, Bath’s attacking options also exude quality and class with Shantal Slater an exciting addition to the squad. The Jamaican shooter is considered one of the sport’s hottest prospects.